Seoul fire: 258 people evacuated from Goryeong village in South Korea
A massive fire broke out in Guryeong, one of the last remaining slums in the South Korean capital of Seoul, forcing the urgent evacuation of hundreds of residents and destroying dozens of homes, in an incident that has once again highlighted the class disparities in the area.
South Korea's National Fire Service announced in an official statement that firefighters had completely extinguished the blaze after battling it for more than eight hours. The incident resulted in the evacuation of approximately 258 residents from the area for their safety. No deaths or serious injuries were reported, a fact authorities described as a "miracle" given the rapid spread of the fire.
Details of the incident and firefighting efforts
Firefighters faced significant challenges in controlling the blaze due to the area's geography and urban layout. The village consists of very narrow alleyways that prevent large fire trucks from passing through, in addition to the dense construction of houses made from highly flammable materials such as wood, cardboard, and plastic sheeting. The situation required a massive mobilization of resources, including hundreds of firefighters, dozens of pieces of equipment, and helicopters to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring areas.
Goryeong Village: A symbol of inequality in the heart of Gangnam
This incident is particularly significant given the village's location and symbolic importance. Guryeong Village is situated in the upscale Gangnam district, renowned as a center of wealth and luxury real estate in South Korea. The presence of this informal settlement alongside modern skyscrapers creates a stark contrast that reflects the economic disparity within Korean society.
The roots of this village go back to the 1980s, specifically to the period of preparation for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. At that time, poor residents were evacuated from various areas of the capital to develop the city, prompting them to settle in this area and build temporary housing that, over the decades, became a permanent reality.
Recurring risks and an uncertain future
This is not the first time the village has experienced devastating fires. Due to dilapidated infrastructure, reliance on unsafe alternative heating methods, and a lack of safety and fire suppression systems in homes, the area remains constantly vulnerable to disasters. Similar incidents have occurred in the village in previous years, fueling ongoing debate about redevelopment plans that have been stalled for years due to disputes between local authorities, residents, and landowners.
The authority confirmed that it will launch a thorough criminal and technical investigation to determine the direct causes of the fire and to identify the extent of the material losses to the property, amid renewed calls to find radical solutions to the problem of informal housing in the heart of the developing capital.
